Audio
Kin, by Oregon Koto-Kai, release June 9th, 2024
Established in 2012 by koto master Mitsuki Dazai, Oregon Koto-Kai entered its 13th year at the time of this album’s release. As such, the title ‘Kin’ refers to the name of the 13th and highest string on a standard koto and symbolizes our progress over the years. We look forward to sharing koto music and Japanese culture with our community for many more years to come.
Sirens, by Otolithia, released January 21st, 2023
Otolithia, an experimental duo made up of Tatiana Musique and Josh Faber-Hammond, released their first EP Sirens in 2023. The album features three pieces representing each of the three sirens of Greek mythology.
Uchi nite released September 3rd, 2021
'Uchi nite' translates to 'At Home' in Japanese. As the title suggests, this DIY album is a collection of pieces composed and recorded at home during the COVID-19 lockdown. You can listen for free here or purchase higher quality digital tracks for $6 on Bandcamp by clicking the “buy” link below.
Special thanks to Nobuko Chalfen for contributing album art calligraphy, Ancient Owl Audio for mastering, and Mitsuki Dazai-sensei for teaching me koto and encouraging musical exploration.
Kaiwa is a B-side from the 2021 album 'Uchi nite'. While this was the first piece composed for the album, it didn't seem to fit in the final track listing. Still, I felt it was worth releasing as bonus content with purchase of the album to celebrate its one-year anniversary.
A remix of the title track from ‘Uchi nite’ was released October 1st, 2021 by my friend and collaborator DJ JoeMyGoodness. Enjoy it here, or get it as bonus download with purchase of the album from bandcamp.
Video
Koto ensemble piece composed during 2023 Japan Artist Residencies
Highlights from solo concert at Paradise AIR in Matsudo, Chiba, JP on March 18th, 2023.
Debut performance of original composition “Ame no Niwa” by Oregon Koto-Kai at Portland Japanese Garden, August 27th, 2022.
First movement of “Shaei”, by Hikaru Sawai, performed in the Mount Hood NF
Highlights from koto ensemble concert at 3331 Arts Chiyoda in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, JP on February 23rd, 2023.
Arrangement of Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes” for Oregon Koto-Kai’s 2021 Virtual Fall Concert
Track 1 from the album “Uchi nite” set to time-lapse video of cherry blossoms
Performance of “Aoku” (Deep Blue) by Hideaki Kuribayashi during Oregon Koto-Kai’s 2018 Fall Concert